Golden Eagle
Aquila chrysaetos
- Habitat: Grasslands and forests
- Range: Northern hemisphere, Europe, North Africa, Asia
- Natural Diet: Small to medium sized mammals
- Status in the Wild: Common
Fun Facts
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Golden eagles have an extensive distributional range and are found in four continents
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Females are larger and males and can weigh up to 6 kilograms.
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They are known to fly swiftly in the air reaching a maximum speed of 320 kilometers per hour
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They can rotate their heads 270 degrees. They have large eyes and excellent vision that helps them spot prey on the groun while they are flying
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They are monogamous and and mated pairs last for long durations of time
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They practice biparental care
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Named for the golden feathers on its head and neck, the golden eagle is one of the largest raptors in the world. Its seven-foot wingspan, ability to dive at speeds up to 150 miles per hour, keen eyesight, and powerful beak and talons make this bird of prey a fast and effective hunter.
Conservation Threats
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Habitat conversion into wood/ pulp plantations has had a detrimental influence of their population numbers in the wild
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Illegal hunting and trapping also has a negative influence
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Some birds are known to fly into electric poles/ wires, and wind mills
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There also has been a population decline due to the negative impact of herbicides and insecticides